BoldBrush Painting Competition Winners (November 2010)

		Best of Show Award Sponsor: FASO Judge: Keith Bond The Least of These by Joshua Clare 30" x 24" Oil Note: This painting exemplified masterfully manipulating the medium to express the message. This humble woman, with little by way of worldly possessions, who is considered to be among the least by much of society, stands with an expression and pose suggesting a woman of true worth - an inner worth. This was beautifully rendered using a muted palette with just the right spots of color in the right areas. The design is strong, values great. There are areas where edges become lost between the woman and here surroundings, yet other areas where she stands out boldy by use of color and value. This suggests to me, that although she is a product of her circumstances, she stands out as an individual, separate, and distinct. The brushwork is rough and unrefined, yet clearly defines the important elements. Details are minimal and unnecessary. Stronger color and more detail work would have killed the concept. The impact of the message is powerful because of the technical choices made by the artist. Excellent work!
		2nd Place Award Sponsor: FASO Judge: Keith Bond Orange Peel by Chris Sloan 18 x 18 Watercolor Note: This painting feels wet! I can feel the movement of the fish. I can see the movement of the water, I can also see through the water, and I can see the reflections upon the surface of the water. Masterfully done. This painting looks colorful, but upon examination, it is mostly grays. The orange stands out boldly - but not garrishly. Great use of edges - a nice combination of lost, soft, medium and sharp. And the perspective is fun
		3rd Place Award Sponsor: FASO Judge: Keith Bond Misty Surf by Brian Blood 11 x 14 Oil Note: Great sense of atmosphere and place. I can feel and taste the salt in the air. I can feel the wind and hear the crash of the surf. I can feel the warm sun on my face. I feel as though I am there. Great composition, values, edges, and color combined perfectly to capture the magesty of the coast. Yet it is done with economy of brushwork and detail.
		Finalist - Outstanding Watercolor Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: FAV Jury Morning at Gangaghat, by Prafull Sawant 21 in. x 29 in Watercolor
		Finalist - Outstanding Watercolor Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: FAV Jury 5th Ave from Washington Square Park by Iain Stewart 17" x 7.5" Watercolor
		Finalist - Outstanding Acrylic Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: FAV Jury Rainy Morning by Rajesh Sawant 60 x 24 Acrylic
		Finalist - Outstanding Acrylic Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: FAV Jury Oceanside Morning by J.M. Brodrick 48 x 72 Acrylic
		Finalist - Outstanding Pastel Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: FAV Jury Dinghies by Marc Hanson 16 x 20 Pastel
		Finalist - Outstanding Pastel Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: FAV Jury On a Rainy Day by Kathy McDonnell 12 x 16 Pastel
		Finalist - Outstanding Abstract Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: FAV Jury Passage by Sarah Yeoman 18 x 22 Watercolor
		Finalist Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: Keith Bond Eun Mee (Beauty and Grace) by Cynthia Feustel 28 in x 22 in Oil Note: Sophisticated and delicate whites. Through great observation and understanding of texture, the silken blouse and ceramic tea pot avoid becoming lost with eachother. Yet from a compositional point of view, they become one larger mass in the abstract design. The contrast among values and color families create a strong design, yet the paintings most powerful strength is in the subtle shifts within each respective value/color shape.
		Finalist Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: Keith Bond Winter Harmony by Marc Hanson 14 x 18 Oil Note: Great serene and quite mood. I love the intimate setting. The values are spot on. The textures are convincing. The grays are sophisticated. Excellent use of edgework, color, value, etc. to bring your eye to the center of focus. Everything else becomes secondary. I know exactly where the artist wants me to look. But most convincing is that I can feel the quiet stillness. I can feel the hush and sublimity of the winter day.
		Finalist Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: Keith Bond Mr. Z by Frank Ordaz 11 x 14 Oil Note: I feel as though I know this man. I can almost describe his personality because of the warm enviting palette. I especially love the informal composition. Very fitting for an informal character. The artist captured the spirit of the model beautifully through technical mastery. And the beard...wow!!
		Finalist Award Sponsor: InformedCollecotr Judge: Keith Bond Whitetail High Step by John Austin Hanna 24 x 30 Oil Note: Through superb handling of the paint, the deer is believably in the scene. So many "action shots" feel cut and pasted, or stop-frame. But not this one. The artist captured movement itself. Very difficult to do. The anatomy is believable. Great color harmony and brushwork.
		Finalist Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: Keith Bond La serveuse à café Florida by Aldo Balding 24 x 18 Oil Note: Great use of abstract patterns and design to compose a complex scene. I love how everything was simplified to basic shapes and by the power of suggestion, we know what is going on. Great lost and found edges. The most detail is in and around the center of interest. Everything else plays the role of a supporting actor. A dark palette is livened by use of strong yellows and reds. I especially love the handling of the ornate woodwork on the edge of the counter.
		Finalist Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: Keith Bond Surface Dance by Sarah Yeoman 20 x 16 Watercolor Note: What a delightful painting. I love the unique perspective. It stopped me in my tracks, so to speak. This painting makes me feel happy and optimistic. Great use of values and design in your composition. The larger shapes are so convincing, that there is no need for detail work. Wonderful warm light. I love it.
		Finalist Award Sponsor: InformedCollector Judge: Keith Bond Still Life With Oval Tray by Pat Kelly 16 x 20 Oil Note: This painting is almost textbook perfect in terms of composition, values, leading the eye, abstract design, color, etc. But the artist took us way beyond simply rendering the subject by showing us the mystery and delight of discovery in simple objects. The shadows are rich and full of beautiful subtle color shifts. I found something new everytime I looked at the painting.
		Finalist Award Sponsor: Art Ready Frames Judge: Keith Bond The Artist's Model by Kevin Beilfuss 24 x 36 Oil Note: The broken color and playful brushwork lend themselves perfectly to the mood of the painting. I can almost see the artist's process unfold by seeing varying degrees of "finish" in the painting. I especially love the way the lines that outline the dress are left visible. By keeping the painting unrefined, the artist avoids sappy sentimental. He perfectly expresses pure joy of creation and does it with superb technical ability.

To view more of our Favorites from this contest, visit the FAV 15% below: